King of Creation
Chapter 552: Chapter 546: Shooting Oneself in the Foot
Shua shua shua!
Almost the moment Duan Yingnian’s words ended, over a thousand gazes fixed on Ye Zhen simultaneously, their eyes so intense they seemed as if they wanted to snatch the Demon Cloud Fruit from Ye Zhen right there and then.
Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Ye Zhen’s expression changed repeatedly until it became extremely ugly.
Within those thousand gazes, nearly a hundred were like sword qi, piercing straight at Ye Zhen and making his cheeks sting with pain.
Moreover, there were about a dozen gazes that shot over, making Ye Zhen’s cheeks feel as if they were being sliced by steel blades.
Ye Zhen was very clear that the martial artists who could hurt him with their gazes were all highly skilled in cultivation, and at the very least, they were at the Vein Forging Realm. Those dozen gazes that felt like steel blades were definitely from the top powerhouses within the Vein Forging strong ones.
With one sentence, Duan Yingnian had sparked greed and murderous intent in nearly a thousand martial artists present and rendered the earlier warnings from Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue useless.
Originally, with the status of Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue in the Jianghu, and by borrowing the name of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, most martial artists would not trouble Ye Zhen any further.
Everyone in Jianghu knows that it’s pointless to earn money without a life to spend it.
But the Demon Cloud Fruit is different.
Possessing a Demon Cloud Fruit is equivalent to having a second life for a martial artist. Just this point could make martial artists willing to kill until rivers ran red for a single Demon Cloud Fruit.
What’s more, the period for the Ancient Secret Mansion that only appeared once every 60 years was about to arrive, which made the value of the Demon Cloud Fruit increase by many times.
In the True Spirit Domain, almost every Vein Forging Realm strong one was in search of the Demon Cloud Fruit. During this time, because of the Demon Cloud Fruit, there were constant killings in the True Spirit Domain.
Now, with Duan Yingnian abruptly dropping such news, it was downright malicious.
Even if many could guess that Duan Yingnian’s news was likely false, a framing of Ye Zhen, many also had another thought in mind—what if it’s true?
To not miss out on this slim chance, it’s likely that after today, many Vein Forging Realm powerhouses would target Ye Zhen, and the moment Ye Zhen shows up, they would attack and vie for the so-called Demon Cloud Fruit on Ye Zhen’s person.
Moreover, even if Ye Zhen were to hide within the Sun and Moon Divine Sect, it wouldn’t be safe.
If there were any Establishment Realm Kings lacking the Demon Cloud Fruit, then even the Sun and Moon Divine Sect wouldn’t be able to protect Ye Zhen.
With a single sentence, Duan Yingnian had forced Ye Zhen into a situation of certain death!
This move was truly as sinister as could be.
For a moment, even Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue beside Ye Zhen did not know how to respond. A slight mishap in handling this matter could bring fatal disaster to Ye Zhen.
And it was difficult to manage.
The more you explain, the blacker it gets, and the more you justify, the less people will believe. No matter what they say, those spectating martial artists wouldn’t believe it. Moreover, after today, this news would spread like wildfire, and every martial artist in the world would likely target the Demon Cloud Fruit on Ye Zhen’s hand.
"Duan Yingnian, you are despicably vicious and utterly shameless!"
Vice Sect Hierarch Tian Guizhang, with no strategies left, pointed at Duan Yingnian and cursed angrily.
In the sky, the Vermilion Bird Hall Master of the Longevity Sect, Duan Yingnian, faced Tian Guizhang’s cursing but instead sighed very delicately, "Vice Sect Master Tian, originally, our Longevity Sect wanted to settle this matter discreetly and quietly take back the Demon Cloud Fruit.
You have seen the great lengths we’ve gone through today.
However, you wouldn’t give us the chance, a vice sect master and a hall master, guarding Ye Zhen so closely.
If it’s like this, rather than letting this bastard benefit, better to let everyone benefit!
I, Duan Yingnian, hereby declare, whichever martial brother kills Ye Zhen and avenges our Helm Master Yang Zhengxi of the Sun and Moon Divine Sect’s Xining Branch, the Demon Cloud Fruit on Ye Zhen’s person will belong to him. Our Longevity Sect will absolutely not pursue the matter anymore!"
Whoosh!
The surrounding spectators erupted into commotion once again!
In this way, the last concern for seizing this Demon Cloud Fruit was gone; what was left was a matter of personal skills and luck.
"Shameless!"
Tian Guizhang squeezed the two words out through clenched teeth and dared not say more. Speaking any further would just give Duan Yingnian more opportunities to fan the flames!
"Duan Yingnian, do you really mean no one will be pursued?"
A voice suddenly rang out; when everyone turned toward it, they realized the speaker was none other than Ye Zhen.
"Absolutely!"
Vermilion Bird Hall Master of the Longevity Sect, Duan Yingnian, replied without hesitation. After responding, he realized the one asking was Ye Zhen and appeared somewhat surprised.
"What do you mean?"
Not just Duan Yingnian, everyone watching, including Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue, looked at Ye Zhen in vast surprise, all puzzled about the meaning behind Ye Zhen’s question.
"Since that’s the case, very well!"
While speaking, Ye Zhen cupped one hand in the other before his chest, and bowed in a sweeping gesture to all around, "Esteemed seniors and fellow martial artists, since the Longevity Sect will no longer pursue whomever ends up with the Demon Cloud Fruit I obtained from Yang Zhengxi’s person, you all can participate with confidence in the upcoming auction!"
"Hmm, it’s this very Demon Cloud Fruit!" In Ye Zhen’s hand, a fruit with crimson patterns suddenly appeared. Following that, Ye Zhen released the wrap of Spiritual Power, and the thick and extraordinary Spiritual Power Wave that faintly radiated out instantly burst forth with a cluster of ephemeral blood-colored radiance.
"Demon Cloud Fruit!"
"It really is the Demon Cloud Fruit!"
"Heavens, there actually is a Demon Cloud Fruit!"
A wave of exclamations immediately arose from all around, as many Martial Artists’ eyes widened, fixated on the Demon Cloud Fruit in Ye Zhen’s hand.
At that moment, over a thousand gazes sharp as arrows were all directed at the Demon Cloud Fruit that appeared in Ye Zhen’s palm. Ye Zhen felt even several dozen stares shooting over from within the Heavenly Spirit Auction House, yet, the gaze of that frightening King from the Soul-Opening Realm, King Void King, was not among them.
Upon seeing this Demon Cloud Fruit, everyone from the Longevity Sect was dumbfounded, especially Duan Yingnian, who became speechless with disbelief written all over his face and eyes.
His original intent was to casually slander Ye Zhen, using Yang Zhengxi’s death as an opportunity to severely trick Ye Zhen, and even possibly lead to Ye Zhen’s death.
Unexpectedly, Ye Zhen did indeed possess a Demon Cloud Fruit, and it seemed to have come from Yang Zhengxi.
Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue, who were beside Ye Zhen, were also flabbergasted at that moment. It was beyond their wildest dreams that Ye Zhen truly had a Demon Cloud Fruit.
"In a moment, during the auction, this young man will have to painfully auction off this hard-won Demon Cloud Fruit to save his life. By then, I would implore all seniors and peers from the martial community to actively bid and strive for a good price!
Moreover, I will have another piece of good news to offer for free then!"
Having said that, Ye Zhen quickly pocketed the Demon Cloud Fruit, then swiftly urged Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue, "Let’s go! We have to hurry inside!"
Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue were still coming to their senses. With Ye Zhen’s gentle lead, they promptly escorted Ye Zhen and dashed lightning-fast into the Heavenly Spirit Auction House.
The Demon Cloud Fruit held an infinite temptation for many Martial Artists, especially for those in the Vein Forging Realm. Many Vein Forging Realm Martial Artists had traveled all over Jianghu, never even catching a glimpse of the Demon Cloud Fruit.
Yet now, they had genuinely seen a Demon Cloud Fruit. Ye Zhen estimated that if he didn’t leave soon, some Vein Forging Realm powerhouses might not be able to resist and could act on the spot, potentially sparking a massive brawl.
Moreover, Ye Zhen truly felt the multitude of eyes fixated on his hand becoming more intense!
By then, even if that Establishment King from the Heavenly Spirit Auction House were to intervene again, it might not be enough to quell the red-eyed Vein Forging Realm powerhouses.
"The three of you, please show your invitations to the auction."
Seeing Ye Zhen and his companions rushing over, an old man guarding the door let out a low shout. Before his voice had fully diminished, two Jade Talismans flew over, shining brilliantly.
At the sight of the Jade Talismans, the old man stepped aside and opened the path for Ye Zhen, Tian Guizhang, and Feng Qingyue, who in the blink of an eye flashed into the Heavenly Spirit Auction House.
Although there was a lot said, the moment Ye Zhen and his companions entered the Heavenly Spirit Auction House happened in an instant. Only after Ye Zhen and his company disappeared inside the doors of the Heavenly Spirit Auction House did the Martial Artists surrounding from all directions react, and a few bold Vein Forging Realm powerhouses began to express their regret incessantly.
They had the courage to confront Tian Guizhang and Feng Qingyue, two Vein Forging Realm powerhouses, to snatch away that slim chance, but they absolutely did not have the audacity to storm the Heavenly Spirit Auction House, guarded by an Establishment King, so they had no choice but to give up.
The next instant, numerous Vein Forging Realm powerhouses headed towards the Heavenly Spirit Auction House, and many Martial Artists who hadn’t planned on attending the auction likewise made their way there, wanting to participate.
Even though many of them knew that even if they attended the auction, they had no chance of acquiring Ye Zhen’s Demon Cloud Fruit, they still harbored that slight hope.
What if?
This is human greed!
Watching the crowd surge into the Heavenly Spirit Auction House, Duan Yingnian from the Longevity Sect’s Vermilion Bird Hall Master stood there in stupidity, completely dumbfounded.
Suddenly, he felt like he had picked up a rock only to drop it on his own foot.
If he had known that Ye Zhen really had a Demon Cloud Fruit, he definitely would not have employed such a mean trick just now.
Such a life-threatening piece of information—how could he possibly let others know about it?
It was best kept to oneself!
At the moment of Duan Yingnian’s regret, a gaze that made his cheek sting suddenly caused Duan Yingnian to lift his head.
Duan Yingnian saw one of the Eight Divine Generals of the sect, Divine General Pan, with a face dark as the bottom of a pot, glaring at him furiously, his anger accumulating unceasingly!
"Duan Yingnian, has your damn brain filled up with water?"
Divine General Pan suddenly let out a thunderous roar. With his Primal Spirit God-Destroying Shuttle pointing directly at Duan Yingnian, his expression was one of wishing he could tear Duan Yingnian apart right there!
"Why didn’t you say such important information earlier? You even announced it publicly, forcing Ye Zhen to auction off the Demon Cloud Fruit!
You’re not normally stupid, so how could you do such a shitty thing today? Huh?"
Divine General Pan was unbearably furious, Duan Yingnian’s face flushed with shame. He took the scolding without daring to retort, nearly wishing he could burrow into the ground.
"I... I didn’t expect Yang Zhengxi to actually have a Demon Cloud Fruit; I just wanted to frame Ye Zhen!" Unable to contain his irritation, Duan Yingnian was so angry that he stamped his feet, "Who could have known, that son of a bitch Yang Zhengxi got a Demon Cloud Fruit and didn’t spread the word. Next time I see him, I must..."
"Yang Zhengxi is already dead!" Divine General Pan snorted coldly from the side.
"Er..."
Duan Yingnian was left speechless, then simply started to chuckle bitterly.
"Divine General Pan, the only thing to do now is to attend the auction ourselves. With the combined wealth of you and me, we must bid on and secure that Demon Cloud Fruit!" Duan Yingnian suggested with a gleam in his eyes.

Comments

Loading...